Crack in the Earth

Part of Capitol Reef National Park, this rift (also known as the Waterpocket Fold) runs for 100 miles. It’s the result of faulting and uplifting of the Colorado Plateau.

In case you’re wondering, a “reef” was a term used by early settlers for a geologic feature that, like a coral reef, presented a barrier to travelers. The name, “Capitol”, came from the various domes in the area and probably one in particular that reminded the settlers of the Capitol dome in Washington DC. Lastly, “waterpockets” or “tanks” are the numerous depressions in the rock strata that form hidden pools of water in this otherwise arid landscape.